What differentiates school and transit buses from other vehicles during extrication?

School and transit buses are designed to carry a large number of passengers, which significantly impacts the dynamics of any incident involving extrication. The presence of a higher number of victims means that rescue operations must prioritize the safety and effective release of multiple individuals, often under tight time constraints. For first responders, this translates into a need to implement strategies that ensure the quick and safe evacuation of all passengers, as school buses, in particular, are often filled with children who may require specific attention and care.

Additionally, these vehicles are often found in environments where they could be surrounded by bystanders or other vehicles, which can complicate rescue efforts. Understanding the capacity of the vehicle helps responders gauge the level of risk and the potential for injury, thereby informing their approach to the situation. Hence, the number of victims is a crucial factor that sets school and transit buses apart from other types of vehicles during such emergency scenarios.